Tensions ease as Trump, Xi prepare for meeting at ASEAN summit

KUALA LUMPUR, (Malaysia) (AP): Trade tensions between the United States and China appeared to ease Sunday ahead of an expected meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, as both sides signaled progress toward stabilizing relations between the world's two largest economies.

Chinese negotiator Li Chenggang said the two countries had reached a "preliminary consensus" to cool the tariff conflict that had rattled global markets. Trump echoed optimism, saying, "They want to make a deal and we want to make a deal," adding that Xi could visit Washington or his Mar-a-Lago resort.

The announcement came during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur, where Trump sought to project himself as a global dealmaker. His visit also included the signing of new economic agreements with Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia to strengthen U.S. access to critical minerals.